Therapy Dogs Enter Nursing Homes

Feb. 11, 2011 - PRLog -- (Nutley, NJ)—Dogs have tremendous therapeutic and healing powers, particularly with elderly people who have become socially isolated, say the latest findings.

According to research from the St. Louis University School of Medicine, animals can reduce loneliness in residents of long-term care facilities. The researchers found even one thirty-minute session of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) reduced loneliness to a statistically significant degree.

"Elderly people are generally in need of a lot of attention, comfort and affection," says Joe Dwyer, dog trainer, motivational speaker and author of the new book "Shelby’s Grace." “The most serious problems for older people may not be chronic diseases but loneliness, depression, isolation and a lack of companionship. This is when therapy dogs can be a big help."

In his book, Mr. Dwyer describes his remarkable odyssey with an abused pit bull named Shelby, who he saved from a shelter. In return she saved him from a terrible depression and anxiety, and together they recovered their senses of purpose. Now Shelby is a certified therapy dog who helps people in difficult times.

A therapy dog is a specially trained dog that can easily make friendly physical contact with unknown people. Therapy dogs are known for their medical benefits such as stress reduction and lowering blood pressure. Some studies reveal that simply stroking or hugging a friendly dog can bring about relief and healing.

There are currently more than 30,000 therapy dogs in the US. Most of them visit patients at hospitals, treatment facilities and retirement or nursing homes; often they go to schools and private homes as well to provide comfort and stress relief. Some medical and long-term care facilities even employ pets as full-time therapists.

There is list of reasons why many experts rely on pet therapy as a valuable aid in helping out the elderly in nursing homes and hospitals. Therapy dogs can offer:
* Friendship
* Confidence
* Steady companionship
* Unconditional love
* Comfort

"Therapy dogs make people feel good simply by being around,” says Mr. Dwyer. "From my personal experience with Shelby, after interaction with dogs, people generally become more active, more enthusiastic, and full of positive energy and life. Dogs are truly man's best friends."

About the Author
Joe Dwyer is a motivational speaker, a life coach and a member of the National Speakers Association. He is also a dog trainer and a martial artist. Previously, he worked as a chemical engineer and an executive for Verizon and the Archdiocese of Newark. Joe is a man of faith and spirituality, and he supports rescue groups and therapy dog training. He lives in Nutley, NJ, with his family and four dogs.

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